Xábia (Javea), Spain Travel Guide

Located in the Alicante province of eastern Spain, Xábia (or Javea) is one of the country’s finest gems. Rugged coastlines, secluded coves and sandy beaches make Xábia a beach-lover’s paradise, while the small old town is a haven for culture junkies and history buffs. Unlike the rest of Spain’s Costa Blanca, Xábia has largely resisted the push of development and high rise buildings. Residents in the area speak Valenciano (a dialect more similar to Castellano than traditional Spanish), but there’s also a thriving expat community with many English-speakers if you have trouble getting around.

Things to Do in Xábia (Javea), Spain

Few things are better to do in Xábia than relaxing on any of the pristine beaches. The most popular is Arenal, as it’s pretty immaculate and has tons of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The old town is a great area to stroll around for the afternoon -- during the Middle Ages it was built a bit inland for fear of invading pirates, so you can still see old architecture with whitewashed walls and golden sandstone. For a nice walk, check out Montgó Natural Park, which is a massive rock that rises almost 2,500 feet into the sky and offers great views of the water and the town. Finally, be sure to check out the markets. Every Thursday, the town is overrun with a series of bazaars where vendors sell everything from leather belts to little Spanish delicacies.

Best Time to Visit Xábia (Javea), Spain

Any time of year! Xábia's climate makes it a perfect beach getaway during the months of spring, winter, and fall. Summertime can be pretty hot, but nothing a dip in the ocean can't solve.